Aloft Hotels is billed as a new high-design/low-cost brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts. I stayed at one this weekend in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Here are eight things I like about it.
1. A pool table in the lobby. Who says “low-cost” can’t also be cool?
2. Where did they get those groovy sofas in the reception area?
3. The squishy blue tiles in the elevators that makes you think you’re walking on water.
4. Sleek European design at a fraction of the cost. If Ikea opened a hotel, this is what it would look like.
5. This box plugs into all of your devices and works with the in-room TV. I want one.
6. Feather duvets. Just like staying at Mom’s place in the Swiss Alps.
7. Is that a cow above my bed?
8. Heads up! Now that’s what I call a shower.
✓ Get the latest travel news, tips and commentary from Elliott’s E-Mail, the subversive newsletter from industry gadfly Christopher Elliott. You’ll travel like a pro. Sign up here. It’s free.
Sign up for my 
{ 6 trackbacks }
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
The Aloft Hotel looks great BUT you did not put the cost/night down. I could not find it on their website either.
Could you possible disclose the cost?
Thanks Chris.
A room at the Rancho property next weekend will set you back about $100. You can search for rates on the site.
I can’t wait to check ours out…
Minneapolis just got a NEW Westin, aloft, AND a W hotel in the historic Foshay Tower, along with the Hotel Ivy – Starwood’s Luxury Collection.
I’m booked into the aloft in Minneapolis for the first week of next month. It was actually more expensive, $229 a night, than it’s sister Sheraton property. I just thought I’d give it a try but now I don’t know, given you say it’s an economy hotel.
Anyone knows where we can get the tiles they use in the elevator?
I too stayed at an Aloft hotel in the Northern Virginia area for the first time last evening. I have to say I was very impressed. Service was impeccable, the decor reminded me of a hotel I stayed at a long time ago in New York and the rooms were very well decorated and comfortable. The fact that they provide Bliss bath and body products doesn’t hurt.
Elliott,
I stayed at the one in Nashville (Franklin), TN. It was terrfic and it cost $107 forthe night, which was lower than all the neighboring properties to include Hampton Inn. Love the shower as well. I will be staying at the BWI location in a week and it is barely over $100 as well.
I know aloft is a bad place to stay. We had to sleep in our truck when we got there. all over a 50 dollar extra that we were unaware of. We arre out of $177 and had no where to lay our heads after a 10 hour drive. Shame on this ALOFT. WE are very disappointed and will not recommend this place to anyone.
I got a rate of 63.00 a night in rancho cucamonga! I loved it worth every penny!
I stayed in the aloft in Jax, fl. I enjoyed the stay and can’t wait to go back again. I really enjoyed the lobby and meet and greet area. And the heated pool and exercise room were a plus. A very nice stay, The room, and shower were great